Type Approval Services

  • Type approval for telecom devices
  • Dealer registration
  • Custom clearance
  • SIM Card point of sale registration

Type Approval

 Type Approval is the term for the process of determining and registering the kind of equipment that can be brought and used in UAE without causing interference or long or short-term damage to the network.

 Type Approval is the requirement for Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) to comply with specific technical standards. Such equipment must be registered with TDRA before it can be used, sold or distributed in the UAE.

Dealer registration

Dealers, importers and manufacturers of RTTE in the UAE should be registered with TDRA. The Dealer Registration system is separate from, and complementary to, the Type Approval System for RTTE.

Every dealer, importer and manufacturer of RTTE in the UAE should ensure that:

  • The company is registered with TDRA
  • Type approval is obtained from TDRA for utilization in the UAE.

SIM Card point of sale registration

TDRA shall establish and manage the registry of the SIM Cards points of sale. This Policy applies to all economic entities that sell or plans to start selling SIM Cards in the UAE. The licensees’ points of sale are excluded from this Policy.

The main objective of this project is to facilitate and regulate the competition in the sale of mobile SIM cards, as well as to develop legal frameworks and trade rules in relation to selling SIM cards through points of sale registered by TDRA. Moreover, it aims to protect the rights of customers and economic establishments in the country. The project identifies the duties and responsibilities of all parties involved in the process of SIM cards sale including the authorized entities to practice this activity, the registered economic establishments and entities that provide the license to the Points of Sale registering entity.

The implementation of this Policy depends on the adherence of the economic entity to; first issuing the business license to practice the particular economic activity related to selling SIM Cards from the business licensing entities in the Country, then registering with TDRA as a SIM Cards point of sale in the UAE before initiating the actual sale process.

The registration certificate issued by TDRA and the business license issued by the economic licensing entities are the main requirements for registering as an authorized point of sale for the licensees.

The TDRA will provide special stickers after the registration to be placed on the shops, allowing customers to identify them

SIM Cards point of sale registration policy

Custom Clearance

Custom clearance requests can be:

  • Commercial / for manufacturers and importers of telecom devices for purposes of trading in the UAE
  • Non-commercial / all telecom devices imported for events, exhibitions, temporary, personal, etc.

Registration for this service requires:

  • For non-commercial: device should comply with TDRA technical specifications.
  • For commercial: company should be registered with TDRA / device also approved by TDRA.

The regulations require radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment (RTTE) to comply with relevant technical specifications and to be registered with the TDRA before it can be supplied in the UAE. 

Technical specifications available here

Early Warning System for Mobile Phones

The National Emergency and Crisis Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has launched the Early Warning System for Mobile Phones in coordination with The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority – TDRA. The project aims to create new channels of communication with mobile users in emergencies and crises that contribute to speeding up communication and spreading warnings to face risks and save lives and properties as soon as possible.

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has issued the technical specifications for the Early Warning System Project, which reflect all the technical and behavioral requirements of the mobile phone to be able to receive national warnings. All mobile manufacturers and suppliers in the United Arab Emirates must implement all the requirements to have final approval to introduce and sell the phone in the country markets.

Technical specifications for early warning feature for mobile phones includes:

All mobile phone manufacturers must comply with the published technical specifications adopted by TDRA for the provision of the early warning system feature of mobile phones, which is considered a main requirement to complete the technical approval of mobile phones.

If any of the information mentioned in the registration certificate needs to be changed, the applicant shall make an advanced non-refundable payment for modifying the registration certificate, irrespective of the outcome of the application towards approval or rejection.
Each applicant for the approval of telecommunications equipment shall be required to make an advanced non-refundable payment for processing the application, irrespective of the final status of the application towards approval or rejection of the application.
A certificate renewal request shall be submitted one month prior to expiration or within 15 days of expiration. In the event of exceeding the specified period, the certificate shall be temporarily suspended and an amount of AED 100 charged per month to renew suspended certificates for a maximum of 12 months. The certificate shall be deemed null and void after the temporary suspension is ended.

TRA shall approve technical test reports of telecommunication equipment from laboratories with international accreditation in the relevant telecommunications field(s), which has(have) certified testing facilities in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 in the relevant telecommunications field(s) by an accreditation body that serves as a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). The accreditation shall be relevant to the types of telecommunications equipment and technical systems in question.
· TRA shall also approve technical test reports of telecommunications equipment under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to submit test reports in accordance with TRA’s Type Approval Regime for the relevant types of telecommunications equipment.

  1. Obtaining a direct delegation of another manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment.
  2. Obtaining a separate approval under his responsibility.
The registration certificate valid for 5 years and renewable for a similar period.
The manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment must complete the request for telecommunications equipment final approval within 30 days of the initial approval.
This approval shall be valid for 3 years, renewable for similar periods after obtaining TRA’s approval. TRA may change, modify, or cancel authorizations at any time and for reasons it deems necessary.

Samples submitted shall be of two versions:

  • A version enabled and prepared for technical testing;
  • A version of the equipment intended to be offered on the market – the commercial version.
The initial approval of telecommunications equipment shall not be binding to TRA or deemed as a final approval of telecommunications equipment. The manufacturer shall not take any marketing or commercial procedures, and it shall adhere to finalizing the approval process by fulfilling the requirements.
If a certificate of telecommunications equipment manufacturers and suppliers cancellation is requested, no additional costs shall be incurred, and the remaining amount of the registration fees will not be returned to the manufacturers and suppliers of telecommunications equipment for the remaining years.

If a Type Approval certificate cancellation is requested, no additional costs shall be incurred, and the remaining fees amount for issuing the Type Approval certificate shall not be returned for the remaining years.

  1. Custom Release for Commercial Purposes
  2. Temporary Custom Release Permit
  3. Custom Release Permit for Telecommunications Equipment Imported for Personal Use (non-commercial)
  4. Permanent Custom Release Permit
At each level, the documents and technical requirements for the Type Approval of telecommunications equipment shall be specified. Accordingly, the manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment shall provide the following documents when submitting a Type Approval request for telecommunications equipment:
- General description of the equipment, including photographs or illustrations showing external features, marking, internal layout, basic technical characteristics, user information and installation instructions.
- Copy of the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity.
  • Each telecommunications equipment type shall be assigned a compliance level in the Type Approval Regime, which includes three main levels defined by elements directly affecting the Type Approval Regime objectives. Most importantly, the classification of telecommunication equipment risk level on the user and telecommunications networks, the core purpose for which the equipment is designed, and its technical capabilities.

TRA may, at the applicant's expense, perform equipment testing or request equipment testing in a recognized testing lab.
In the event that telecommunications equipment does not conform to health and safety standards and pose a risk to the safety of users, TRA shall require the manufacturer or importer of relevant telecommunications equipment to take every corrective measure so that the telecommunications equipment complies with these requirements within a time limit set by TRA. If sufficient corrective measures are not taken within the given deadline, the relevant Type Approval certificate shall be cancelled effective immediately, and TRA may take the proper action and measures to prohibit or prevent the availability of relevant telecommunications equipment in the UAE market.
In the event that a telecommunications equipment is not compliant with the Type Approval Regime requirements, the manufacturer or importer of registered telecommunications equipment shall take corrective measures to eliminate the causes of non-conformity within a timeframe determined by TRA, and shall announce the problem and corrective measures taken in rectification.
  • TRA shall approve technical test reports of telecommunication equipment from laboratories with international accreditation in the relevant telecommunications field(s), which has(have) certified testing facilities in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 in the relevant telecommunications field(s) by an accreditation body that serves as a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

  • A permanent custom release Permit shall be issued to a registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment with no criminal record or corrective measures that have been taken against him for at least two years.
  • A permanent custom release permit shall have the same validity period as the equipment Type Approval registration.
  • A permanent custom release permit may be terminated by TRA in case of legal violations on the part of the registered telecommunications equipment manufacturer or importer.
This permit shall be issued for the release of telecommunications equipment approved by TRA in accordance with the Type Approval Regime requirements and imported by a registered telecommunications equipment manufacturer or importer registered in the UAE
Custom release permit for telecommunications equipment imported for personal use (non-commercial) shall be issued by TRA, whereby equipment shall not be required to be registered within the Type Approval Regime; however it shall not be placed or made available on the UAE market without obtaining the required approvals.
The registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment shall provide the SDoC in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004 as defined in Annex B, and shall be responsible for equipment conformity with all requirements specified in the Type Approval Regime.

A legal agreement to delegate the powers of the telecommunications equipment Type Approval certificate from a registered telecommunications manufacturer or importer to another located in the UAE. Both parties shall be required to accept the Delegation of Telecommunications Equipment Approval, by which, the manufacturer or importer accepts the obligations identified by TRA.
Any registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment may terminate the Delegation of Telecommunications Equipment Approval by notice of at least 15 working days addressed to the other party. The registered telecommunications equipment manufacturer or importer that accepts the delegation of Type Approval shall verify the requirements imposed on the telecommunications equipment before it is offered and sold in the UAE market.

This level shall apply to telecommunications equipment of low risk and priority called “Declaration of Conformity”
This service involves issuing custom release permit for telecommunications equipment in the UAE.

TRA may perform market monitoring activities from time to time and the registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment must cooperate in such activities and provide samples and documentation on request without charge to TRA for purposes of testing and conformity.

TRA is legally eligible to obtain necessary technical information from the registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment to verify conformity with the essential requirements and technical standards. In this respect, TRA has a duty to respect confidentiality.

Market monitoring activities may arise as a result of a complaint or random check or as part of a systematic program. TRA may also inspect telecommunications equipment put on the market.

A manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment registered in the UAE shall, on request, provide TRA with information about any manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment whom he has supplied with telecommunications equipment, and any manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment whom have supplied him with telecommunications equipment.

In the event of continued non-conformity and violation of the requirements of the Type Approval Regime, the TRA shall take all appropriate measures to prevent or prohibit the availability of the respective telecommunications equipment in the market or to ensure that it is withdrawn/retrieved from the market.

In order to accelerate the process of approving telecommunications equipment that are advertised and be put on the market within short periods for commercial and marketing purposes, the manufacturer may apply for an initial, temporary telecommunications equipment approval in the Type Approval Regime to obtain an approval number for the telecommunications equipment, allowing the manufacturer to start installing the conformity mark on telecommunications equipment before offering in the market.
The registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment may continue to sell slightly modified equipment without the need to notify TRA of the changes. Minor modifications must not affect essential requirements, technical standards, or the external look of the equipment.

TRA shall rely on Type Approval certificates issued by other entities approved based on the following:

  • Must be identified under an MRA to certify the relevant types of telecommunications equipment in accordance with TRA’s Type Approval Regime.
  • Must be accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 in the relevant areas of telecommunications by an accreditation body, who is a member of the IAF Association; the accreditation shall be relevant to the equipment types and technical systems for which recognition is sought.

TRA may take necessary legal measures against a telecommunications equipment manufacturer or importer that does not fulfill the requirements of the Type Approval Regime in accordance with Federal Law by Decree No. 3 of 2003 regarding the Regulation of the Telecommunications Sector, its Executive Order or any decisions and regulations issued by TRA from time to time. The TRA shall impose, for example but not limited to, the following measures:

  • Suspension of the Type Approval certificate granted to a registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment.
  • Cancellation of the Type Approval certificate granted to a registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment.
A permanent custom release permit is a permit issued at the request of the registered telecommunications equipment manufacturer or importer based in the UAE, through which he shall be exempted from obtaining custom clearance permit for commercial purposes repeatedly for the same equipment for each shipment, thereby ensuring a timely release of telecommunications equipment. This permit can also be issued for spare parts of registered telecommunications equipment.

The manufacture, use, offer, sale, supply or use of prohibited telecommunications equipment in the UAE shall be forbidden. Such equipment has been listed in details in a separate document as part of the specific reference documents.

  • GSM Jammers
  • GSM Boosters
  • Scanning receivers
  • Military Communication equipment

All equipment, which are not complied with UAE, approved telecom technical standards.

Type Approval certificates shall be renewable for additional 3 years

The importer must provide the required documents, including the documents mentioned below and any other document requested by TRA:

  • A letter from the organizer or in case of exhibitions and events, explaining the purpose for which the telecommunications equipment is imported and the period required.
  • Technical documentation of telecommunications equipment
Where approval is granted based on the SDoC with the technical standards and essential requirements.

the registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment provides :

  1. proof of conformity with the technical standards and essential requirements on the basis of:
  2. Submitting test reports issued by a recognized test labs (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
  3. Performing additional technical tests at the telecom equipment National Lab.
  4. The manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment shall provide a sample of the telecommunications equipment to be approved under this level as part of the mandatory Type Approval requirements.

where the registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment provides:

  1. proof of conformity with the technical standards
  2. essential requirements by submitting technical test reports issued by an ILAC-certified lab.

The registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment must notify TRA of any modifications, which would:

  • Affect equipment conformity with the essential requirements or technical standards;
  • Change equipment size and shape;
  • Change equipment model number or brand name.

In the case of any modification to the registered equipment that may affect its conformity with the Type Approval Regime essential requirements or approved technical standards, the registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment must submit a new Type Approval request.

The manufacturer, importer or distributor must provide the required technical documentation and reports as well as test samples upon request. Samples shall be part of the request for Type Approval of telecommunications equipment and considered reference samples for future action. TRA shall not be obligated to return telecommunications equipment samples provided for testing.
  • The applicant shall provide shipment details and technical documentation of telecommunications equipment when requested.

The local manufacturer, importer or distributor of telecommunications equipment must provide a valid trade license issued by a Trade License Issuer based in the UAE, with an economic activity specific to telecommunications equipment. The local manufacturer, importer or distributor of telecommunication equipment may add branches of the parent company in case the trade license is issued by the same licensing entity and in the same emirate.

Technical standards listed in the SDoC remain unchanged;
- The equipment has not been affected by any modifications as defined in paragraph 4.4.

This level shall apply to telecommunications equipment of medium risk and priority called ‘’ General Equipment Registration’’
Support technical documents are the proof that describe details of the telecommunications equipment, based on which, the conformity of a telecommunications equipment with the requirements and technical standards approved in the UAE shall be declared. Support documentation should be prepared in Arabic or English, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1: 2004 1

The registered manufacturer or importer of telecommunications equipment shall provide the TRA Declaration of Conformity Card (Type Approval Regime Conformity Mark) on the equipment box in a clear, readable and non-removable format before offering, selling or making the equipment available in the UAE market. The TRA Declaration of Conformity Card shall be placed under the display platform of telecommunications equipment in retail stores in a way that is clear and readable to users.

  • Products shall contain a product statement card as specified above.
  • The tag can be marked using black and white colors.
  • The QR code shall contain the basic information shown in the middle box.
These fees shall apply to telecommunications equipment tests based on the classification of technologies specified in Table below, in line with the details mentioned in the Type Approval Regime Policy and Regulation.

This permit shall be issued for the release of telecommunications equipment imported for temporary purposes, including but not limited to: Exhibitions, trials or for repair purposes, and shall be exported outside the UAE after the expiry of the period provided for in the permit.
In accordance with the custom release permit for temporary admission of telecommunications equipment in the UAE, the importer shall not be required to be registered or to obtain the telecommunications equipment Type Approval by TRA. However, this equipment shall be prohibited to be offered or sold in the UAE market.

  • This level shall apply to telecommunications equipment of high risk and priority called ‘’ Advance Equipment Registration’’

Some wireless telecommunications equipment require authorization from TRA to use frequency spectrum in the UAE. This authorization shall be independent of the Type Approval Regime.
· Authorization requirements may change from time to time, and applicants are advised to consult the Spectrum Management Affairs Department. The operation of the relevant wireless telecommunications equipment without authorization shall be considered a violation of the Telecommunications Law.

The Delegation of Telecommunications Equipment Approval shall be logged in the Type Approval Regime. Such delegation shall not be deemed as a transfer of ownership of the Type Approval certificate, and shall end with cancellation by one of the parties or the expiration of the Type Approval certificate of the relevant telecommunications equipment. In all respects, the Delegation of Telecommunications Equipment Approval shall be applicable only to approved telecommunications equipment.
A certificate renewal request shall be submitted one month prior to expiration or within 15 days of expiration. In the event of exceeding the specified period, the certificate shall be temporarily suspended and an amount of AED 100 charged per month to renew suspended certificates for a maximum of 12 months. The certificate shall be deemed null and void after the temporary suspension is ended.
The applicant may submit a request for renewal of the telecommunications equipment Type Approval certificate one month prior to expiry or within 15 days of expiry. Exceeding the specified period shall render the certificate temporarily suspended and an amount of AED 100 shall be applicable to each month for the renewal of suspended certificates (up to 6 months), after which the certificate shall be considered null and non-renewable.
The importer shall seek approval of telecommunications equipment in accordance with Type Approval requirements, and then apply for custom release from TRA for each shipment of telecommunications equipment. The importer must attach the required documents for custom release upon request.

Telecommunications equipment for personal use or temporarily entered shall be exempted from Type Approval requirements. In addition, telecommunications equipment transferred for the purpose of examination, certification or approval or pre-production units, which are considered in the manufacturing stage, shall be exempted. The exemption shall also extend to telecommunications equipment offered or operated under restricted conditions in trade exhibitions.
· Imported telecommunications equipment for commercial purposes or personal use shall not be exempted from compliance with mandatory technical standards in order to achieve the main objectives of the Type Approval Regime.
· A user of telecommunications equipment exempted as per the Type Approval Regime shall not be exempted from obtaining additional licenses required for the use and compliance with the additional requirements. Exemption from telecommunications equipment Type Approval shall not be considered an exemption from other licenses.
· TRA may issue an exception to the implementation of Type Approval requirements for specific types of telecommunications equipment by a separate decision.

A registered telecommunications equipment manufacturer or importer registered in the UAE, holding a Type Approval certificate for the concerned equipment or has a delegation from another manufacturer or importer of telecommunication equipment.
The custom release permit shall be issued by TRA for each shipment of telecommunications equipment based on the evaluation of each application. The importer shall attach the required custom release documents upon request.

service may be requested by :

  • Individuals who are interested in importing telecommunications equipment for personal use.
  • Manufacturers and suppliers of telecommunications equipment in the UAE registered with TRA.
  • International and local companies attending exhibitions in the UAE 

Telecommunication Dealers who want to enter equipment to UAE must apply for custom clearance approval from TRA, they will get letter from TRA to custom after TRA check about equipment.

Note: Before bringing any Telecommunication equipment, Dealer must be registered with TRA and applied for Type Approval.

The registered manufacturer, importer or distributor of telecommunications equipment must obtain Type Approval for the telecommunications equipment before being offered or sold in the UAE, according to the technical standards approved by TRA and the Type Approval requirements

Natural or legal persons, who import, assemble or manufacture telecommunications equipment for non-commercial or personal use are exempted from telecommunication equipment Type Approval procedures.
· Government entities and public network operators shall be exempted from telecommunications equipment approval process. However, they shall not be exempted from such procedure if they launch and offer the equipment on the market.

Manufacturers and dealers of telecommunications equipment must be registered with TRA Type Approval Regime, and shall receive a registration certificate

TS FS 001 Emergency Broadcast
TS FS 003 Calling Name Presentation V2.0
TS HS 001 Health and Safety
TS RE 001 GSM mobile terminals
TS RE 002 UMTS (3G) mobile terminals
TS RE 003 LTE mobile terminals
TS RE 004 DECT Cordless Telephones Handsets and Ancillary...
TS RE 005 Analogue Cordless Telephones, Base Stations
TS RE 006 Analogue PMR Handsets and Ancillary Equipment
TS RE 007 Amateur Radio and Ancillary Equipment - Copy
TS RE 008 TETRA Handsets and Ancillary Equipment
TS RE 009 Paging Terminals and Ancillary Equipment
TS RE 010 Citizensn Band Radio and Ancillary Equipment
TS RE 011 Point to Point (PP) Radio Fixed Links
TS RE 012 Multipoint (PMP) Radio Fixed Links
TS RE 013 Ultra Wideband Equipment
TS RE 014 Broadband Wireless Access Subscriber Equipment, Base.
TS RE 015 Wireless Telemetry Equipment
TS RE 016 Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) up to 1GHz Terminals
TS RE 017 Mobile satellite Service (MSS) above 1GHz Terminals
TS RE 018 SPCN Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) Terminals
TS RE 019 Satellite News Gathering (SNG) Transportable Earth
TS RE 020 SIT and SUT Terminals and Ancillary Equipment
TS RE 021 V-SAT Terminals and Ancillary Equipment
TS RE 022 Detection of Movement Equipment, Tanks Level Probing
TS RE 023 Road Transport, Traffic Telematics and Ancillary
TS RE 024 Tracking, Tracing and Data Acquisition Equipment
TS RE 025 Navigation (Air) Equipment
TS RE 026 Navigation (Ground) Equipment
TS RE 027 Navigation (Water) Equipment
TS RE 028 Wideband Data Transmission Systems and Ancillary
TS RE 029 WiMAX Subscriber Equipment, Base Stations
TS RE 030 5 GHz high performance RLAN and ancillary equipment
TS RE 031 Wireless Audio Equipment
TS RE 032 Wireless HD Equipment
TS RE 033 Non-Specific Short Range Devices and Ancillary
TS RE 034 Ground and Airborne Model Control Equipment
TS RE 035 Radio Microphones, In-Ear Monitoring and Ancillary
TS RE 036 Radio Hearing Aids
TS RE 037 Alarms
TS RE 038 Medical Devices
TS RE 039 Animal Implantable Devices
TS RE 040 Inductive Applications and Ancillary Equipment
TS RE 041 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Equipment
TS RE 042 Software Defined Radio Equipment (SDR)
TS RE 043 GPS Receiver
TS RE 044 Avalanche Beacons
TS TTE 001 Equipment connecting to 2.048 Mb_s Digital Leased
TS TTE 002 Equipment connecting to 34 Mb_s Digital Leased Line
TS TTE 003 Equipment connecting to Co-directional G.703 Digital
TS TTE 004 Equipment connecting to High Speed Serial Interfaces.
TS TTE 005 Equipment connecting to SHDSL Services
TS TTE 006 Voice over IP Equipment (Private usage only)
TS TTE 007 Laser P-P-Links Equipment
TS TTE 008 Fiber Optics Equipment
TS TTE 009 Receivers Equipment with Internet Support
TS TTE 010 Equipment connecting to the Analogue PSTN
TS TTE 011 Equipment connecting to ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+
TS TTE 012 Powerline Equipment

Type approval relies in large part on the identification and registration of devices that can be used in the UAE without causing interference or damage to the telecom networks.Find here a list of the approved devices in the UAE, updated automatically every 24 hours, Click here

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16/11/2022 12:34

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